Lockhart Shire Councillors, at their March meeting, discussed the possibility of developing a “Hall of Fame” concept with past and present residents being acknowledged as suggested by the Lockhart Shire Tourism and Economic Development Steering Committee.

Since settlement, the Lockhart Shire has been the birthplace of many prominent citizens, examples are:

Don Kendell, (started Kendell Airlines-no REX) born (19 January 1930 – 14 October 2001) and raised in Lockhart Shire was the founder and Chairman of Kendell Airlines, now a part of Regional Express Airlines. In 1992, Don Kendell was made a member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for his services to aviation.

Donald Hazelwood Concertmaster Emeritus, Sydney Symphony Orchestra was raised in Urangeline. He was a violinist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra for 45 years, and has enjoyed a long and successful career at the forefront of Australian classical music.

For his services to music he has received numerous awards. He was given an OBE in 1976 and was made an officer of the Order of Australia in 1988.

Norm Provan, “Sticks” (born 1932), was raised in Bidgeemia (Lockhart Shire) and is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. Named amongst the nation’s finest footballers of the 20th century, he was a representative in the Australian national team from 1954 to 1960 earning 14 Test and 2 World Cup caps.

John Herbert (Jack) Crawford was born in 1098, raised in Urangeline (Lockhart Shire) and won the Australian Open four times – from 1931-33 and in 1935.

He made his debut at the Australian Championships in 1927, losing an epic first round against Gar Moon. In 1933, Crawford won his third Australian title, beating American Keith Gledhill in the final.

Reg Gleeson was born in 1950. He is the former star Swans half-back and had previously played with Osborne before he was recruited from Lockhart.

More recently the list of prominent citizens from the Lockhart Shire includes Adam Schneider and Jackson Strong.

As all areas of the Shire have produced prominent citizens a central ‘Hall of Fame’ could be developed in Lockhart and all other towns and districts of the Shire displaying a duplication of the personalities for their respective areas.

At their April meeting the Tourism and Economic Development Steering Committee will discuss this matter further – the “Hall of Fame” project will not only give recognition to the achievements of the above mentioned individuals but also offer inspiration to current and future generations.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

Ann Tasker and Michael Byrnes came from Parkes and Raelyn Hitchick came from Bogan Gate to assist with the emergency accommodation effort in Forbes.

People affected by floods will have places to stay thanks to the efforts of Forbes Shire Council and several other organisations, including many volunteers.

Manager Communication and Development at Forbes Shire Council Kristy Hartwig said the Forbes High School Hall and Jemalong Regional Education Centre (formerly JRV) will serve as temporary emergency accommodation.

“People who have been issued with an evacuation order can present themselves at either of those places,” Ms Hartwig said.

Lending their support to people affected by the flood in Forbes are several organisations and volunteers from other towns.

Ann Tasker from Parkes and Raelyn Hitchick from Bogan Gate have travelled here to give their assistance to our community.

“I’ve been with the church for over 40 years,” Ms Tasker said.

Although a long-serving volunteer in many organisations this is Ms Tasker’s first year providing emergency services with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), one of several volunteer groups helping with the flood effort.

Ms Tasker and Hitchick hope they can help anyone in need.

Also here to help is Michael Byrnes from Parkes, a member of the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).

“The people of Forbes are pretty resilient,” Mr Byrnes said.

“A lot of them are organised but if they aren’t then we can help.”

Mr Byrnes believes people often wait until they see the water before they go, but he said the best time to be prepared is now.

Anyone who has questions or concerns regarding the coming flood can go to Forbes Shire Council’s help desk at the town hall, or visit their website.

This story Administrator ready to work first appeared on Nanjing Night Net.

The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued an evacuation order this morning for over 235 properties in the Forbes Shire.

The evacuation order follows a prediction from the Bureau of Meteorology that rising flood waters in the Lachlan River will exceed the major flood level of 10.4 metres before midday.

The river is expected to peak near 10.65 metres during Thursday.

SES spokesperson Alex Chesser said the order was put in place at 8.30am and affected residents are being asked to evacuate in the next 12 hours.

“That is for a number of reasons, obviously for rising flood waters but also it is a lot harder to move around in the dark,” he said.

“We are advising people to leave as soon as possible … the situation can change quickly.”

Emergency personnel will be out in affected areas this morning door-knocking to provide further information to residents.

“The SES here are on top of what they expect to occur,” said Mr Chesser.

“It is just facilitating that work on the ground. There is potential for further rises, but at this stage we are just concentrating on the relocation of people in the affected area.”

Two evacuations centres have been set up in Forbes. The first at the Community Services Building on Elgin Street and the second at Forbes or Forbes High School on Wyndham Avenue.

Affected residents are asked to visit one of the centres to register before going to stay with friends and family. Community Services will be on hand to help organise accommodation for those who need assistance. RSPCA will temporarily house pets during the evacuation period.

Lockhart’s St Mary’s Debutante Ball was held last Friday, March 30 with fifteen girls making their debut together with their partners.

While some traditions have faded, or even disappeared over the years, the Lockhart Debutante Ball is still going strong.

Dance teacher for the Ball, Mrs Fran Day said “This was a once in a lifetime

experience for the debutantes that was unforgettable.

“Seeing all the beautiful young women in their stunning dresses with their good-looking partners and shining smiles on

everyone’s face, made friends and family and especially their parents extremely proud.”

This year, St Mary’s had the Most Reverend Gerard Hanna, Bishop of Wagga Wagga, to officially receive the debutantes and their partners.

Mrs Day said “The committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Bishop Hanna most sincerely for undertaking this important duty. Special gratitude must also go to Father Darren Howie, Parish Priest St Mary’s as well as Jason Gooden, Chairperson St Mary’s Parish and his wife Liza”.

The tuition and choreography of dance teacher Mrs Day had the debutantes and their partners captivating the audience not only with their presentation dances of the Waltz and the Cha Cha, but also with a spectacular floor show performance ‘Shout’. The Floor Show has been a feature of St Mary’s debutante balls.